The 2013 Ruth Strand Poster contest winners were honored at a special reception on May 22 at the Elmhurst Historical Museum.

The 2013 Ruth Strand Poster contest winners were honored at a special reception on May 22 at the Elmhurst Historical Museum. (Posted By Elmhurst Historical Museum, Community Contributor)

Elmhurst Historical Museum, Community Contributor

Children took a very colorful and creative approach to depicting Elmhurst history as shown in the 356 entries that were submitted for the annual Ruth Strand Poster Contest. Sponsored by the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, the 2013 Ruth Strand Poster Contest invited second and third grade students to submit an original drawing depicting a scene from Elmhurst history. The contest honors Ruth Strand, the long-time director of the Elmhurst Public Library and a founding member of the Elmhurst Historical Museum.

Almost every school in Elmhurst participated in the contest, and members of the community took on the difficult task of selecting the winners. The first place poster, created by Abby Thomas of Jackson School, was a beautiful drawing of the Wilder Park Conservatory. Elmhurst Park District’s executive director Jim Rogers presented Abby with a special certificate recognizing her detailed portrayal of the conservatory.

Many teachers and parents were on hand as the winners were honored at a reception on May 22 at the Elmhurst Historical Museum. The students received special gifts from the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, and schools with ten or more participants received a donation to support their school library. The posters will be on display at the Elmhurst Historical Museum throughout the summer, and winning entries may be viewed at City Hall this summer. In addition, the winners marched alongside the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation in the Elmhurst Memorial Day parade and the group will be recognized at the Elmhurst City Council meeting on June 3.

The Elmhurst Heritage Foundation congratulates the 2013 Ruth Strand Poster contest winners and their families, and thanks to every participant for sharing their beautiful posters on Elmhurst history with the community.